September 2007

Fixed Route Bus Technology Costs

How Much Do the Fixed-Route Bus Core Technologies Cost?

Technology System	Cost Range	Technology Range Aspects (Basic system to most extensive)
1. Automatic Vehicle Location	Average: $2.4M (million) Median: $1M	On-board GPS; Vehicle tracking integrated with Operations Control Center dispatching and security systems, includes AVL-GPS and MDTs
2. Transit Communications	Average: $2M Median: $160,000	Advanced PDA provides route guidance & interactive information; Dispatch Center hardware, digital radio, data computer, field communications hardware (voice -radio & data - MDT), in-vehicle hardware (including AVL-GPS)
3. Traveler Information	Average: $2.1M Median: $450,000	Voice recognition traveler info call-in phone line; Trip Planner with GPS tracking for real-time information
4. Data Management & GIS	Average: $475,000 Median: $175,000	Desktop GIS with basic database software; Transit Center software integration of vehicle tracking, GIS, scheduler, information storage (large, multimodal agency)
5. Computer-Aided Dispatch     & Scheduling	Average: $325,000 Median: $40,000	Basic scheduling software; Integrated communications & scheduling system with AVL-GPS, radio modifications and scheduling software (large, multimodal agency)
6. Maintenance Tracking	Average: $320,000 Median: $100,000	Fuel dispensing management applications; On-board mechanical monitoring sensors that collect & transmit vehicle data to Operations Control Center
7. Electronic Fare Payment	Average: $13M Median: $1M	Fare reader with AVL-based GIS & AVL-MDT tracking system (small agency); Full replacement of fare collection system with fare vending machines, smart card & magnetic readers, fare gate consuls, vehicle validating fareboxes (large agency)
8. Security Cameras     & Security Systems	Average: $730,000 Median: $500,000	Multiple Black & White CCTV cameras installed; Advanced bus surveillance system with wireless technology for live video transmission to command center (large agency)
9. Weather Information	Average: $370,000 Median: $200,000	Most basic Environmental Sensor Station (weather station); Statewide deployment of 88 ESS, plus training, plus 2-year full service warranty
10. Advanced Passenger       Counters	Average: $21,500 Median: $350,000	Add-on to advanced operating system with route scheduling and vehicle tracking components; Real-time data reporting linked to central control scheduling software and vehicle location devices
A. Traffic Signal Priority (Non-Core Secondary Technology)	Average: $1.7M Median: $270,000	Priority installation at 2 intersections, in-vehicle priority emitter on 10 vehicles; Loop detectors at 210 intersections along 2 long corridors with AVI sensors at controller cabinet for 150 transponder-equipped buses